Encore Community Services (“Encore”) provides care and services to the elderly of the Clinton, Times Square, and Midtown communities, so that they may live with dignity and decency in a safe and caring environment. By nurturing, respecting and enabling, Encore hopes to improve the quality of an older person’s life, in an approach that emanates from the core of Encore’s commitment: a belief that what they do comes from the heart, and the heart is the center of all. Encore was founded in 1977 in the basement of the Actor’s Chapel at St. Malachy’s Church to serve the specific needs of the elderly in the area, and since then has grown into a multipurpose agency providing a comprehensive array of programs and services well beyond Times Square.

Encore’s first program, the Senior Center, provides congregate and home delivered meals to Manhattan’s elderly population, and has grown tremendously since its genesis. Today, Encore provides an annual total of 87,500 on-site congregate meals and 284,000 meals delivered to homebound elderly on both weekdays and weekends. The Senior Center is also the base of operations for Encore’s Friendly Visiting and Shop and Escort programs, which engages volunteers to spend time with and assist the elderly, as well as case management services, legal services, and benefits assistance. Beyond the Senior Center’s social service offerings, it’s also a community where seniors can gather to socialize and participate in a host of education and wellness programs directed at improving the health and wellbeing of the senior participants. These activities include dance, exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, nutrition, blood pressure and other health screenings, and the availability of an onsite computer lab for seniors to spend time online.

In 1986 Encore embarked on its first housing venture by acquiring the Markwell Hotel, which was renovated and opened as Encore 49, a model of supportive housing for formerly homeless elderly and those with a history of mental illness. With a staff of social workers on site, Encore 49 residents are provided supportive and clinical services that help them to lead safe, independent lives.

In 2005, Encore launched an ambitious new project in order to meet increased needs for affordable senior housing – to redevelop a former community garden into a HUD-supported apartment building for low-income seniors. After securing the site through the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and successfully lobbying for a HUD grant to finance the construction, Encore was able to develop the Encore West Residence and open it to seniors in 2007. Encore West provides residents with fully-equipped units, a library, laundry and kitchen facilities, a community room, and a spacious garden in the rear of the building, making it truly a home for the seniors it serves.

Since 1977, one thing that has remained constant is Encore’s strong commitment to its mission: to assist elderly people with their daily needs, in an effort to improve their quality of life and to help them live with dignity and independence in their own community. Today, Encore has a budget of $6.5M and a staff of 74. To learn more, please visit http://encorecommunityservices.org/.

Position

Encore Community Services is seeking its next Executive Director to build on the success and strength of the organization. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for assisting the Board in developing a strategic vision for the organization and ensuring that the overall operations, programmatic services and fundraising strategies are effectively implemented in a manner that is consistent with the organization's mission. The Executive Director is responsible for promoting an organizational culture that is client-focused and that fosters passion for the mission and a sense of community.

Encore is a vibrant organization with a great reputation and tremendous success, having just celebrated 40 years of delivering on their mission. This position offers an Executive Director the opportunity to lead this organization in transforming the lives of seniors in the Times Square community and beyond by increasing efficiency in delivering nutritious meals and providing safe and affordable housing. As Encore approaches this leadership transition, they are looking for an experienced leader to embrace the challenges presented by the growth of the aging population and the changes in current funding streams.

Encore is seeking a charismatic, energetic, and inspiring leader who will spearhead fundraising and program enhancement across the spectrum of services provided. Perhaps most importantly, the Executive Director will show total commitment to the mission of Encore Community Services, have the ability to manage with accountability and “heart”, and promote a culture of community, excellence and compassion. In addition, he or she will be bright, diplomatic, of the highest integrity, and possess sound judgment and interpersonal skills as well as a great sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Executive Management

Provide visionary and strategic leadership to the Board, staff, and the community. Assess the current landscape and develop a strategic plan to continue to position Encore as a leader of senior services in the community at-large.

Seek new opportunities for service growth in both the public and private sectors, strategic alliances and business opportunities to support the mission and vision of the organization.

Provide supervision, mentoring and professional development to Encore professionals. Set, foster, and model a positive and collaborative environment within the organization.

Recruit, lead, and evaluate a diverse, high-performance and committed professional team that can effectively carry out the primary programs and mission of Encore Community Services.

Develop the necessary infrastructure and processes to support the current and future programs including technology, finance, human resources and facilities.

Ensure the continued provision of high quality services are in compliance with funding source requirements.

Work closely with the volunteer leadership and staff responsible for finance and administration, ensuring that fiscal oversight and management is in place. Regularly evaluate the management and status of all financial resources and procedures.

Revenue Development & Communications

Lead and engage in fundraising activities including events and major gift and foundation solicitation to raise support for the organization.

Work with staff and the Board to build engagement strategies and develop long-term relationships with potential donors and community members. Particular emphasis should be placed on developing relationships with major donors and foundations.

Government & Community Relations

Build upon Encore’s extensive relationships within the community to garner continued support for its services.

Work with leaders within all levels of government, including but not limited to the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS), Department for the Aging (DFTA), Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and others in supporting Encore’s mission.

Nurture existing and new collaborative partnerships with other service providers in the fields related to senior services.

Board Relations

Collaborate with the Board in an active strategic planning effort and oversee the implementation of the organization's goals while ensuring that the budget, staff, and priorities are aligned with Encore’s Mission.

As the face of the organization, seek and cultivate relationships on behalf of Encore with individuals who might serve as Board members, become donors or otherwise promote the advancement of Encore and the people it serves.

In partnership with the Board chair, help build a diverse and inclusive Board that is highly engaged and willing to leverage and secure resources.

Qualifications

Heart and passion for the mission of Encore Community Services as well as personal compassion for the elderly.

Visionary leader, strategic thinker and problem solver with the ability to respond to issues quickly and effectively.

Superior interpersonal skills with an ability to relate to people at all levels.

“Roll up your sleeves attitude” and ability to “pitch in” when needed.

Fundraising experience in a not-for-profit environment preferred.

A demonstrated record of leadership and success in strategic problem solving and growing an organization.

Experience working with a non-profit board is extremely helpful.

Knowledge or understanding of government contracts desired.

Proven track record as a successful hands-on manager and motivator of staff with a minimum of seven years management experience.

Talent for developing, marketing and articulating the organization’s mission and core values.

Empathetic, energetic, flexible, and patient.

Unquestioned integrity and values.

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a related field preferred.